PRESS RELEASE: Joint Statement from Florida for Care and Medical Marijuana Business Association of FL

(Miami, FL) The heads of the two largest medical marijuana advocacy groups in Tallahassee issued the following combined statement regarding medical marijuana legislation filed today by Sen. Jeff Brandes:

"While our respective organizations have different memberships and missions, we share a common purpose: advocating for sick and suffering Floridians to gain access and ultimately relief in the form of medical marijuana. We applaud the courage of Sen. Brandes introducing this important legislation (SB 528) and look forward to fighting side by side with him to bring comprehensive and compassionate medical marijuana policy to Florida."

Mr. Pollara is the executive director of Florida for Care and Mr. Sharkey and Mr. Biehl are the co-founders of the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida. Together, these two organizations represent the largest number of patients, businesses and volunteers advocating for a comprehensive medical marijuana policy in Florida.

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical marijuana system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.